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 👀 Today’s Email about:

• Hyundai and Kia's stocks are struggling due to sluggish sales and growing economic concerns.

• Seoul will host Smart Life Week, an ICT fair that highlights the future of urban living.

• Jennie from BLACKPINK is facing a controversy over allegations of racial discrimination.

NEWS 📰

Hyundai and Kia stocks are struggling due to sluggish sales and growing economic concerns.

Hyundai Motor and Kia are facing lackluster stock performances due to sluggish auto sales and growing concerns over a global economic slowdown, according to data and analysts on Friday.

Both automakers saw a drop in September sales, particularly in key markets like the United States, where demand for cars has weakened. Combined sales in the U.S. fell by 10.4% last month compared to the same period last year, raising concerns about a delayed recovery in their stock prices.

Hyundai Motor’s shares peaked at 299,500 won ($224) per share in June but have since experienced notable volatility amid the global economic downturn. Similarly, Kia’s stock hit a high of 135,000 won per share in June but has struggled to make any significant recovery since.

Yoon Hyuk-jin, an analyst at SK Securities, noted, "Hyundai Motor and Kia’s global sales fell about 3% short of previous estimates. Their production was also hit by strikes at parts suppliers, and the slowdown in demand due to high interest rates, coupled with stiff market competition, is a major concern for both automakers."

To boost profitability, Hyundai plans to expand its electric vehicle (EV) lineup with the global launch of the Casper EV, while also focusing on increasing hybrid vehicle sales this year. Kia, meanwhile, hopes to offset declines by ramping up sales of its EV3 compact SUV in Europe during the fourth quarter and launching the new flagship Sportage SUV, expected to drive sales domestically and abroad.

Seoul will host Smart Life Week, an ICT fair that highlights the future of urban living.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is set to host the inaugural Smart Life Week, an all-encompassing information and communication technology (ICT) fair, from Thursday to Saturday at COEX in southern Seoul.

Unlike typical ICT fairs that emphasize cutting-edge technology and products, Smart Life Week will spotlight how technology seamlessly integrates into everyday life, enhancing public welfare, safety, convenience, and entertainment. The event, themed "The Future of Urban Life Changed by Advanced Technology," will feature exhibitions, awards, international forums, and collaborative meetings.

The fair will serve as a platform for the public sector, businesses, cities, and academia to share advancements in smart technology and foster cooperation. Korean companies will present high-tech solutions to global cities interested in Seoul's urban policies and problem-solving strategies.

Co-hosted by the Seoul government and the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO), the event is expected to draw over 20,000 visitors from 140 companies, 64 countries, and 91 cities. A highlight of the event will be "Presentation for Your City," offering Korean ICT companies a unique opportunity to meet one-on-one with international cities seeking solutions to urban challenges.

This program, the first of its kind at a domestic fair, will allow 10 companies to directly showcase their technologies to representatives from 19 overseas cities, providing a face-to-face platform for Korean firms to expand into global markets and strengthen their competitiveness in the smart city space.

The second Seoul Smart City Prize ceremony, launched in 2022 by the city government and WeGO, will also be held. The award promotes the vision of a smart city that addresses urban inequality and promotes inclusive growth, aligning with Seoul's philosophy of supporting vulnerable communities.

Last year, the prize attracted 240 applications from 93 cities, institutions, and companies worldwide. This year's awards will cover 21 categories, with a focus on people-centered innovation and technology, and will be attended by over 150 participants, including domestic and international mayors.

Park Jin-young, head of the city's digital city bureau, emphasized the fair’s significance, stating, "We are working hard to showcase the future to citizens and create global market opportunities for companies. We hope Smart Life Week becomes an innovative platform that connects technology with people to improve quality of life."

ENTERTAINMENT 🌄

Jennie from BLACKPINK is facing a controversy over allegations of racial discrimination.

Jennie, a member of the K-pop group BLACKPINK, has found herself at the center of a racial discrimination controversy after an interaction with Hollywood actor Margaret Qualley during a fashion show in France.

The K-pop star attended Chanel's Spring/Summer 2025 show in Paris as the brand's official ambassador, turning heads with her new blonde hairstyle. However, a video from the event circulating on social media has sparked backlash. In the clip, Qualley is seen touching Jennie’s hair without her permission and asking, "Is this real?"

Fans quickly condemned the act, calling it inappropriate and disrespectful. Many viewed the incident as racially insensitive, suggesting that questioning Jennie's blonde hair in such a manner was problematic, especially in light of previous instances of discrimination against Korean celebrities abroad.

There have been similar concerns in the past, with model Hong Jin-kyung and actor Han Ye-seul sharing their own experiences of racial bias in Europe. In Jennie’s case, the situation escalated when, after a friendly greeting, Qualley touched her hair and avoided Jennie's face when Jennie playfully posed as if to kiss her for a photo.

This added to the accusations of racial insensitivity and further fueled online debate. Margaret Qualley, daughter of actor Andie MacDowell, is known for her roles in films like "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," "Poor Things," and "Palo Alto."

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